Sporting events cancelled, tributes paid after Queen Elizabeth II dies

cricket, golf, rugby and cycling, while others paid tribute by holding a minute's silence. The queen, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, died peacefully at her home in Scotland aged 96. The second day of the third and deciding cricket Test between England and South Africa at the Oval on Friday was suspended as a mark of respect, while matches in the domestic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy were called off.

The English Football League (EFL) cancelled two games scheduled for Friday, while West Ham United fans sang a rousing rendition of "God Save the Queen" before their Europa Conference League match against Romanian side FCSB on Thursday. A minute's silence was observed at Europa League games featuring British teams and players wore black armbands. "A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend's scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning," the EFL said.

The Scottish Championship game on Friday between Cove Rangers and Dundee was also postponed by the Scottish Professional Football League. British media reported that the Premier League is also likely to decide on the weekend's fixtures on Friday. At Wentworth, which is hosting the BMW PGA golf Championship, the flagship event of Europe's DP World Tour, play was suspended on Thursday, and organisers cancelled Friday's second round.

"She was truly an inspiration to people the world over ... no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed," the Tour said in a statement. Peter Forster, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, said the queen's 70-year patronage was a "great